An incubator commercial kitchen is expected to begin operating in September at 15029 14th St., in Dade City.
The initiative is the result of a partnership between the Pasco Extension Office, which is part of the University of Florida Institute for Food and Agricultural Sciences, Pasco County and the Pasco County Economic Development Council Inc., with assistance from Welbilt.
Welbilt, a … [Read more...]

When Jo and Bob Larkin bought the R.D. Sistrunk House at the corner of 14th Street and Church Avenue, they knew they were buying a property with a rich history — that required a lot of work.
“We renovated the house completely,” said Jo Larkin, who has a title company and previously owned an antiques shop.
Her husband, Bob, who is a builder, said it was the most extensive renovation project … [Read more...]

Two new community gardens will be coming soon to Dade City.
The University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Pasco County Extension Office will be establishing community gardens with the help of the City of Dade City, the Pasco County Commission and private donors.
Members of the community will be able to grow their own produce in free garden plots, according to … [Read more...]

The Pasco County School District handed over the keys to the new tenants of the Moore-Mickens Education Center effective July 1.
The lease is for 30 years at $10 a year.
So, now the school’s future is in the hands of a coalition of community activists who founded the nonprofit Moore-Mickens Education Center and Vocational Center Inc.
Its legacy already is in place.
Moore-Mickens is … [Read more...]

The Pasco County Fair Association is seeking a state grant to help pay for a $1.1 million upgrade of the Pasco County Extension Office.
The Extension Office — which is supported by state and county funding — now leases space from the fair association.
But, the facility needs improvements and more space to expand its services.
The state grant could address both needs.
The Pasco County … [Read more...]

Community members will have another chance to share their views on the future location of the Pasco County Extension Office.
Extension now operates out of space owned by the Pasco County Fair Association, under an annual $17,000 lease, which is currently on a month-to-month basis.
But, the office is too small and outdated to meet Extension’s needs.
The county wants to improve … [Read more...]

Local residents and community leaders gathered for a May 12 grand opening ceremony at Hilltop Landings apartments in Dade City, following 18 months of construction.
The $15 million project serves as a replacement for Dade Oaks, a 38-year-old apartment complex that was built at the bottom of a drainage basin, forcing residents to regularly deal with flooding.
Those residents get first dibs on … [Read more...]

What’s Happening

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer floating candle jar kits on June 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., to be picked up curbside. The kit will include one floating candle, a glass jar, and instructions on how to make your own luminary. Supplies are limited. For information and current library hours, call (813) 929-1214. … [Read More...]

The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will provide a fairy jar kit on June 9, all day, for adults only. To see the prerecorded video, visit the library’s Facebook page. For information and current branch hours, call (352) 567-3576. … [Read More...]

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will offer a curbside pickup for a Tinkering Tuesday kit on June 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The theme will be Healthy Habits. On the library’s Facebook page, there will be event links for the instructions to the experiments and activities, as well as other resources. For information and current library hours, call (813) 929-1214. … [Read More...]

The Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway, will host a Virtual SRC: Ultimate Block Party on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., and again from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., with Minecraft activities. Register through the library with your email to receive the Zoom link to attend. For information and current library hours, call (813) 929-1214. … [Read More...]

The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host a virtual event, “Teens: Trashy Art,” on June 10 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., for grades eight to 12. Participants can be creative using acrylic paint. Kits will be provided. Email Danielle Lee at *protected email* in advance, for the link. … [Read More...]

The Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., in Dade City, will host “Storytime By the Sea: Pirates and Mermaids” on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., using Zoom, for ages up to 5 years old. Kids can listen to stories and sing songs, and make a sand sensory bottle with seashells, sand, stones and jewels (kits to be provided). For information and for access to the event, email Danielle Lee at *protected email*. … [Read More...]